Meissner Pulls Out of GP Series

"My knee had become chronically inflamed, swollen and painful," Meissner said. "After some testing, along with an MRI, I was diagnosed with severe patellar tendonitis and a partial dislocation to my right kneecap."

Though she has undergone physical therapy the last six weeks, Meissner does not believe she is ready for competition.

"I started adding triple jumps about two weeks ago, and my Salchow, loop, toe and Axel are pain free," Meissner said, "However, my flip and Lutz still cause pain in the center of my knee."

After consulting with an orthopedic specialist, Meissner made the decision that, in order to prevent chronic or further damage to her knee, she will withdraw from her upcoming Grand Prix assignments.

"For the United States to be represented properly, especially during an Olympic year, I feel I must put my personal desire to compete aside," Meissner said.

I had no idea Kimmie was dealing with a serious injury. My interpretation of her press release is that she is out for the season. I hope I am wrong and that she will recover and be able to compete at Nationals. This doesn't look good.

Hey everyone! Sorry it's been so long. As you may know I had to withdraw from my GP assignments. It was a VERY hard decision. Thank you all for sticking by me through all of this. I'm sorry to let you down, but I want to reassure you that I'm not retiring or anything crazy. Just taking off for the season. Thanks again for your support. I truly appreciate it. Oh and thank you all for the birthday wishes! So long teenage years...helloooo 20's

Originally Posted by iluvtodd

Is there any chance for her to compete in Nationals this season?

Not under current USFS rules, unfortunately, because she now would need to qualify for Nationals through Regionals and Sectionals, and her Regionals (South Atlantics) starts tomorrow and goes through Tuesday.

Not under current USFS rules, unfortunately, because she now would need to qualify for Nationals through Regionals and Sectionals, and her Regionals (South Atlantics) starts tomorrow and goes through Tuesday.

Has Kwan retired officially? And we all know how skaters say they dont retire blablabla... she's 20, her career, this was the olympics, her time to redeem herself... she's done.

For Kwan, I agree, but for Meissner, she's got some time left (assuming she heals in a few months). She can continue to skate in her early 20s, perhaps. But MK is just about 30, and she's immersed in school.

Then again, you never know- she's not saying whether this is a career-ending injury or not. Season-ending, apparently, but she's not saying anything about it ending her career.